Apple Watch expands Fitness+ programs to keep you active

• Apple introduces four new Fitness+ multiweek programs and Artist Spotlight workouts with KAROL G and Bad Bunny.
• Apple Heart and Movement Study data show Apple Watch users increase and sustain exercise minutes into the new year.
• New Ring in the New Year award and a Strava "Quit Quitting" challenge reward consistency in January.
• Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 remain the foundation for Fitness+ features and on‑screen metrics.

What’s new for Fitness+ and Apple Watch in 2026

Apple is rolling out fresh Fitness+ content designed to help users restart and stick with workouts in early 2026. Four multiweek programs — Make Your Fitness Comeback, Build a Yoga Habit in 4 Weeks, Back‑to‑Back Strength and HIIT, and Strength Basics in 3 Weeks — give guided, progressive plans with short, manageable sessions.

These programs are built for mobile routines: some sessions are as short as 10 minutes, and plans combine strength, HIIT, and yoga to build momentum without overwhelming newcomers.

Music, Time to Walk guests, and motivational features

Fitness+ also refreshes its Artist Spotlight series with workouts set to KAROL G’s music and will add new Bad Bunny workouts tied to his Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show appearance. The Time to Walk series returns with new episodes featuring Penn Badgley, Mel B, and later Michelle Monaghan.

On‑screen metrics from Apple Watch and compatible AirPods (like AirPods Pro 3) make workouts more engaging by showing heart rate, calories, and activity rings in real time.

Data: users sustain gains beyond Quitter’s Day

An analysis of approximately 100,000 participants in the Apple Heart and Movement Study — a multi‑year collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association — found that many Apple Watch wearers increase daily exercise minutes in January and keep that improvement.

More than 60% of users raised their daily exercise minutes by over 10% in the first two weeks of January. Nearly 80% of those who increased activity maintained that level through the second half of January, and roughly 90% of that subgroup kept elevated exercise into February and March.

Ring in the New Year award and Strava collaboration

Apple Watch users can earn a Ring in the New Year limited‑edition award by closing all three Activity rings seven days in a row in January. For the first time, Strava is hosting a “Quit Quitting” challenge: logging 12 workouts in January earns an Apple Watch badge inside Strava.

Devices, pricing, and availability

Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399, SE 3 at $249, and Ultra 3 at $799 (U.S.). Apple Fitness+ is $9.99/month or $79.99/year and is included in Apple One Premier where available. New subscribers may be eligible for trial months with qualifying Apple device purchases.

Bottom line

Apple’s 2026 Fitness+ slate pairs short, structured programs with music and social incentives to help people move more — and study data suggest the Watch helps many keep those gains past the typical New Year drop‑off.